Encouraging resilience

Uganda, 2007. Photo by UNICEF

The Importance of Resilience

Resilience is determined by the ability of a person to adapt to adverse circumstances.

The American Psychological Association notes, "Being resilient does not mean that a person doesn't experience difficulty or distress. Emotional pain and sadness are common in people who have suffered major adversity or trauma in their lives. In fact, the road to resilience is likely to involve considerable emotional distress." To read more from the APA on resilience, click here.

According to the American Psychological Association, there are multiple factors that contribute to resilience, all of which can be developed:

"The capacity to make realistic plans and take steps to carry them out.

A positive view of yourself and confidence in your strengths and abilities.

Skills in communication and problem solving.

The capacity to manage strong feelings and impulses."

Helping War-Affected Children

It is important to note that there are children who are directly impacted by war, experiencing rape, recruitment into armed forces, imprisonment, and murder. Similarly, there are children who are indirectly affected by war, including those who experience hunger, poverty, separation from parents, displacement, etc. Children directly and indirectly affected by war alike must receive psychosocial support.

Psychosocial support addresses basic needs (food, water, medical care, etc.) while helping heal not only the individual but the community as a whole. It is vital to have community groups and events in villages and camps that have been affected by conflict to bring a sense of normalcy. From art programs and cultural events, children are more able to positively cope with adverse circumstances.

"Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone."